Amazon Fire TV adds Netflix, HBO Go, HBO Now to universal search

One of Amazon Fire TV’s best features is its ability to search outside Amazon Prime Instant Video. Yes, the search still prioritizes its master’s content, listing availability on Prime Instant Video and Prime’s electronic sell through before other sources. But search on Amazon Fire TV devices has just gotten better, as Netflix, HBO Go and, soon, HBO Now, have been added to the list.

For current device owners, a free over-the-air upgrade will install the new software.

“Customers have told us they love having access to the wide selection of apps, games, and Alexa skills on Amazon Fire TV, and they love how easy it is to find their favorite shows with universal voice search,” said Marc Whitten, Vice President, Amazon Fire TV. “Now, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to find their favorite content with universal voice search across 75 apps and channels, and a new, simple way to see recommendations from Netflix, HBO GO, and HBO NOW right on the home screen.”

The upgrade gives Fire TV devices universal search across more than 75 apps and content providers.

If a TV show or movie is available on multiple apps, Fire TV will now show you viewing options – watch, stream, rent, or purchase – so you can choose an app or channel based on convenience and value.

"At Netflix, we are always seeking new ways to help connect people with stories they'll love," said Scott Mirer, VP of device partner ecosystem at Netflix. "Now, Fire TV customers have more ways to discover great TV shows and movies on Netflix through personalized recommendations available in a custom row right on the home page or through universal voice search – making it more convenient for them to find their favorite show on Netflix."The update includes Alexa voice control for Amazon Video, which now enables users to advance or go back in a video any amount of time. Say “skip ahead 2 minutes” to jump past the opening credits, for example, or “rewind 30 seconds,” or jump ahead to the next episode by saying “next.”

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The number of devices connected to the Internet and capable of delivering apps to TV screens is expected to grow 59% by 2019, totaling more than 238 million devices. Connected TVs are forecast to drive 45 percent of the growth over the coming four years, while less expensive, content-heavy streaming media players are projected to drive 35 percent growth.

Connected TV growth in the United States is expected to track at a nearly 2.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2020, slower than the growth rate for almost every other streaming media player available, indicating that households will have multiple devices available for watching online video.

In a new report, eMarketer forecast that connected TV users will top 181.8 million users in the U.S., increasing to 202.1 million by 2020.

A new study says U.S. households have an average of eight connected devices, and said a third (32%) of homes have at least one streaming media player connected to the Internet, a modest increase of about 7 million homes over a year ago.

That penetration is likely to increase the number of consumers interested in streaming 4K UHD content, but the large number of connected devices could put a strain on the home network’s ability to handle 4K content delivery.